Unbelievable…we’ve done it ten times now so you think I’d be used to it…
Yes, it gets easier each time around, however, there’s something about those few days just prior to Target becoming our second home, that I find myself watching a lot of late late late night TV. What can I say? As each of the kids have departed for college I, like clockwork, become curious about things like the newest character in the ever popular Kringle Express Holiday Character Glitter Dome Candle Lamp line that QVC is serving up, or what kind of trouble Conan and Andy are getting into, or just how many singer-songwriters did come out of the 60’s…
You’ve probably figured out by now that I’m referring to delivering Nick to college for his second year. You know, I get that little bit of agita in August which keeps me up at night but it also allows me some extra time to think about the blessings that lie at the root of this annual event…the blessing of education, the blessing of opportunities our kids have to pursue their dreams, the blessing of watching them learn and achieve. Like his sisters – Nick is doing it. It, meaning, navigating the pressures and choices that life presents at this stage, and because I’m not so far removed that I can’t remember how it feels (cough cough) I know that college and the few years beyond can feel…weighty. Not a clumsy, heavy, awkward kind of weighty – but a ‘decisions I make now will impact my future’ kind of weighty. This then creates in me a stirring that combines gratitude with empathy, along with a very large measure of sentimentality, all of which drop in after the eleven o’clock news to share in some cookies and milk. In those few weeks before my chiclets fly the coop, I receive bonus time. Time to dwell in the memories of raising them and time to think about the changes they experience as they journey toward adulthood. So… those circles under my eyes… don’t let ’em fool ya..they’re the mark of counted blessings.
And now, food. (How’s that for a segue?)
As the days marched on during his final weeks of summer vacation, Nick had big cravings for grilled cheese.
Most of the time we treated ourselves to good old-fashioned two slices of American on white, but one time he asked for a Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich, which has now become one of my favorites.
This sandwich combines the Italian flavors of a Caprese Salad – tomatoes, basil and mozzarella – tucked between two slices of crunchy, buttery bread.
Nick knows a good sandwich when he sees one!
In closing (I really need to work on those segues…) – for those of you whose children are going off to college – good luck!
Now go treat yourself to a sandwich… and a nap.
Buon Appetito!
- 2 slices fresh Italian bread (I used Italian sourdough with sesame seeds)
- ½ cup grated Mozzarella
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced in ¼ inch thick slices
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- soft salted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Butter the outside of each slice of bread with soft butter.
- Place first slice of bread (butter facing down) on pan.
- Layer Mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, more Mozzarella and top with the second slice of buttered bread (butter facing up).
- Grill sandwich until golden on both sides and the cheese has melted (2 - 4 minutes).
It’s Red Cardinal by the way…the newest character…Glitter Dome Candle Lamp…QVC…
Ciao!
Again: delicious!!! I’m turning into a huge fan of your blog! Thanks!
Aww! Thank you, Marie! I appreciate that!! 🙂
Caprese Grilled Cheese is my absolute favorite sandwich! I went to school in Italy for a time, and I have such fond memories of going to a little hole-in-the-wall shop everyday for lunch and ordering a Caprese Panini. Such a simple sandwich, but oh so delicious! Great colors in your photos!
Ohhhh, I love the thought of that! Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten came out of little hole-in-the-wall shops in Italy! Thanks so much Kathleen!
Looks delicious Ann…great idea for a sammy!
It’s very yummy!! 🙂